it became difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it became difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or task that has become challenging over time. Example: "At first, the project seemed manageable, but as the deadlines approached, it became difficult to keep up with the workload."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It became difficult to move.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It became difficult to be an MP.

The Guardian

It became difficult to conduct business in a civil manner".

The New York Times

"But then it became difficult to sort of defend stuff.

The New York Times - Sports

It became difficult even to distinguish dreams from reality.

The New York Times - Style

It became difficult to remember what was an illusion.

The Guardian - Film

It became difficult for biotechnology companies to go public.

The New York Times

But when Sonia was in her later months it became difficult.

The New Yorker

When his mother fell sick, it became difficult for the family.

The New Yorker

The poorest remained in those centres, and it became difficult to provide adequate education.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But as she got older, it became difficult to lift the heavy pots, she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it became difficult", ensure that the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to. Ambiguity can confuse the reader. For example, instead of "It became difficult," specify "Maintaining the project schedule became difficult".

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive voice when using "it became difficult". While grammatically correct, excessive passive voice can make your writing seem weak or indirect. Instead of "It became difficult to manage the team," consider "Managing the team became difficult," which is more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it became difficult" functions as a descriptive expression indicating a shift in a situation towards increased challenge or complexity. Ludwig's examples showcase its versatility in describing various scenarios where tasks or circumstances evolved to be more arduous.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it became difficult" is a versatile and commonly used expression that indicates a transition towards increased challenge or complexity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability across diverse contexts, especially in News & Media and Scientific writing. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the subject and avoid overusing passive voice. Consider alternatives like "it grew challenging" or "it turned problematic" for nuanced expression. Understanding these nuances allows for more effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it grew challenging

Focuses on the gradual increase in difficulty over time.

it turned problematic

Highlights the emergence of problems or obstacles.

it proved arduous

Emphasizes the demanding and strenuous nature of the situation.

it started getting tough

Suggests a more informal and direct expression of increasing difficulty.

it became troublesome

Emphasizes the creation of trouble or inconvenience.

it evolved into a struggle

Focuses on the transformation of a situation into a fight or effort.

it descended into chaos

Highlights a rapid decline into disorder and confusion.

it morphed into a hurdle

Uses a metaphor to depict the emergence of an obstacle.

it presented complexities

Shifts the focus to the presence of intricate and complicated elements.

it posed a challenge

Emphasizes the presence of an obstacle that requires effort to overcome.

FAQs

How can I use "it became difficult" in a sentence?

Use "it became difficult" to describe a situation that evolved into a challenging one. For example, "As the project progressed, "it became difficult" to meet the deadlines".

What can I say instead of "it became difficult"?

You can use alternatives like "it grew challenging", "it turned problematic", or "it proved arduous" depending on the context.

Is "it was difficult" interchangeable with "it became difficult"?

While similar, "it was difficult" implies a static state of difficulty, while ""it became difficult"" suggests a change over time. Use ""it became difficult"" when describing a situation that gradually worsened.

What's the difference between "it became difficult" and "it was getting difficult"?

"It became difficult" indicates that the difficulty has fully manifested, whereas "it was getting difficult" suggests that the difficulty was increasing but not necessarily at its peak.